6 fishermen rescued after vessel sinks off Kahoolawe

Six fishermen are safe after their vessel began taking on water and sank about two miles off Kahoolawe.

The Coast Guard received a radio call from the captain of the 43-foot charter fishing vessel Piper at noon. The captain reported the vessel was sinking and passengers were putting on lifejackets. The six people aboard the Piper abandoned ship and climbed into a life raft.

A crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Maui was launched. the Coast Guard issued an emergency broadcast to notify other vessels in the area of the emergency and the need for immediate assistance.

The crew aboard the recreational vessel Misti III responded and rescued the passengers and crew. The Misti III transported the six survivors to Maalaea Harbor where emergency medical services met them. No serious injuries were reported.

The vessel sank in approximately 1,200 feet of water and has an unspecified amount of diesel fuel aboard. The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the situation for any evidence of pollution or debris from the vessel. No pollution is currently visible.